Atelier Meruru Character Illustration Book Coming To PSN

An Atelier Meruru book… for PlayStation Network? Yes, you read that right. Gust is using Sony’s PlayView technology, the same thing Capcom used for their Monster Hunter Freedom Unite guide, to create an Atelier Meruru digital book of character illustrations. According to Dengeki PlayStation, the PlayView package has commentary from illustrator Mel Kishida too.

As a bonus, the PlayView Atelier Meruru illustration compilation includes a custom theme, a sample soundtrack with five songs, and making of content like developer interviews and storyboards for a few trailers.

The magazine also teases that Juana (pictured) is a downloadable character. In Atelier Meruru, Juana works at the general store in Earls. Dengeki has a picture of Juana with the text "that character joins the party!?" as a hint that Juana will be available at a later date. One thing for sure is Atelier Meruru: The Alchemist of Arland 3 will have DLC.

It did, at one point. But it went by another name: Valkyria Chronicles.

The Western game market needs some sufficiently powerful group that can popularize 2D art style again. That probably won’t be any of the major publishers these days though; they’re too busy bragging about the latest realistic graphics in their games, instead of finding their own unique aesthetics.

Ehh? Interesting. It’d be kind of awkward to look through in the living room in front of my family though. I mean, it’s not that awkward, but they’re always watching TV. So taking up their telly-time with artbook would be kind of funny.

But I digress. An artbook is always good, and if it comes to the PSN, then I would like to know more. :O

Personally, I’d like to have a physical book, but they just released the Atelier Series Chronicles Art Book not long ago, so I’m not sure they have enough material to release another book. A digital download is nice too though.

Mystena

The Atelier Chronicles art book only covers up to Rorona. It doesn’t have more of Kishida Mel’s artworks for Totori or now Meruru.

Just as a FYI: There’s a 150+ page Atelier Rorona and Totori art book that has quite a large number of bonus artworks in addition to printed copies of the in-game art.

Personally, I much rather have a tangible object when it comes to something like art books. The bonus materials such as the custom theme and interviews does have me interested. Another artbook however would be an immediate ‘take my money, gimmie!’ for me.

Lord Highawesomeparty

I think I’d rather have a physical book when this hits the US. I already feel uncomfortable watching anime on a TV with others in my house so I don’t think this would work well for me. If this was the Wii U and I could stream it to my controller I’d be fine.

Considering the art for this series is actually rather stunning, the Victorian inspired designs, this would be definitely worth getting. If you had the appreciation for this stuff that is. It would be worth it for any fan of this particular series.

All the extra content makes me think purchasing this would be worthwhile, but when it comes to art, nothing could replace printed material. However, this is a good attempt. Makes me think of the Anohana app

doubletaco

I’m all for digital distribution of software, however, I am not all for digital distribution of art books.

I’d rather not pay for a bunch of JPGs.

Istillduno

I honestly would rather have a physical artbook on my shelf than fork out for a bunch of digital pictures.

Also if this is coming at the expense of an in-game gallery then this sounds pretty shady, anyone know if Meruru still has a gallery?

Paying for digital pictures I could easily get on the internet for free seems kind of mute you know~

The extra content is nice though.

OneOkami

Just an FYI because I’m seeing a lot of comments expressing preference for a physical collection of art (and I’m with you on that). I believe I read somewhere that a “Perfect Works” art collection of the entire trilogy is being prepared.

I’d be happy if we can use some of the illustrations as ps3 theme, but really, a physical book would’ve been even better. =/

AzureNova

This art book looks beautiful, and I believe it includes works from other Atelier games as well.

Learii

i love it i can’t wait to get it

Merulana

I hope this comes to the US!
I’m also glad Meruru is getting DLC.
I wonder who else will become playable other than Juana.
Older Rorona pleeaasee?! D:
It doesn’t matter if there’s some cheesy backstory about how she got cured. </3

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